Review of Renewable Energy in Iran

Increasing in consumption of petroleum, population, environmental problems, diminishingly fossil sources and world trend to energy technology respect to environmental safety and renewable energy are some reasons for most countries to use and investigate on renewable energy. In this regard this paper presents the state of geothermal, wind and biomass energy in Iran. Results indicate that Iran has substantial geothermal potential, specifically in the Sabalan (NW-Iran) and Damavand (N-Iran) regions that are considerate prospects for electric power generation and direct uses. Due to recent advancements in wind energy, many inventors in the country have become interested in investing in this type of energy. At the moment, projects assuming 130 MW of wind power plants are underway. Of which, 25 MW is operational. Results of this study shows that the major biomass resources in Iran are agricultural solid wastes (%59), animal wastes (%28), corrupting waste materials (%11), and industrial waste waters (%2). According to statistical data, the potential biomass energy in Iran is equal to 15 million ton of crude oil which will be estimated about %13 of annual Iranian crude oil sale.